Nuggets 128, Spurs 118: Denver Finishes Strong in San Antonio

The Denver Nuggets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Frost Bank Center, using a strong first half to take control and holding steady late behind Julian Strawther’s game-high 25 points in a balanced road win.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Denver opened the game with efficient offense and took a 37-34 lead after one. The Nuggets moved the ball well early and found quality looks inside and on the perimeter, while San Antonio stayed close behind its own quick scoring pace.

Second Quarter

The game shifted in the second period. Denver outscored San Antonio 33-22 to build a 70-56 halftime lead, the decisive stretch of the night. The Nuggets controlled the glass, generated extra possessions, and continued to score efficiently, while the Spurs had a harder time matching that pace.

Third Quarter

San Antonio responded with its best stretch after halftime, taking the third quarter 35-31. The Spurs pushed the tempo more effectively and got needed production from De’Aaron Fox and the supporting cast, trimming the deficit entering the fourth. Even so, Denver kept enough offensive rhythm to protect a double-digit edge.

Fourth Quarter

Both teams scored 27 points in the final period, which allowed Denver to close out the result without a major late swing. San Antonio could not make up additional ground, and the Nuggets maintained control with timely scoring and continued rebounding support.

Key Performers

Denver Nuggets
Julian Strawther led all scorers with 25 points. Nikola Jokic added 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Jalen Pickett paced Denver with 6 assists. David Roddy gave the Nuggets a major lift on the glass with 13 rebounds as Denver finished with a 58-45 rebounding advantage.

San Antonio Spurs
De’Aaron Fox led San Antonio with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Stephon Castle filled the box score with 11 rebounds and 9 assists, finishing just short of a triple-double. The Spurs shot 45.5 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers, but their second-quarter dip proved costly.

NerdSports Stat: Denver attempted 17 fewer three-pointers than San Antonio but still scored 10 more points, thanks largely to a 58-45 edge in rebounds and a 50-45 advantage in made field goals.

Game Analysis

This game was shaped by Denver’s balance and control of the possession battle. The Nuggets shot 50.0 percent from the field, recorded 30 assists, and consistently created follow-up chances by winning the rebounding margin by 13. That combination gave them enough separation even when San Antonio played better in the third quarter.

For the Spurs, the overall offense was solid enough to stay competitive for stretches. San Antonio put up 118 points, assisted on 27 baskets, and hit 15 shots from beyond the arc. The issue was the middle portion of the game, especially the second quarter, when Denver outperformed them in both efficiency and physical presence on the boards.

Denver also benefited from having multiple contributors rather than relying on one scorer. Strawther’s 25 points set the pace, Jokic added his usual all-around production, and Roddy’s 13 rebounds helped stabilize the frontcourt work. That depth was important in a game where the Spurs kept pressing after halftime.

Closing Context

With the win, Denver finished at 54-28, closing its regular season on a positive note and strengthening its position in the Western Conference picture heading into the postseason. San Antonio ended the game at 62-20, and while the loss interrupted the home finale, the Spurs still enter the playoffs with one of the league’s best records and a strong body of work.

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